H a m i l t o n O t i s
c. 1 9 4 0
Scarce Hamilton “Otis” men’s Streamlined Moderne design wristwatch in 14K yellow gold fill, circa 1940.One of the most sough-after Hamilton models, the "Otis" features a reverso principle which allows the body of the watch to be flipped around to either display the dial, or the reverse side to display a monogram or presentation inscription. Initially offered in 1938, the watch was named for Otis Bryan, vice-president of Trans World Airlines and an old friend of Hamilton's vice-president Ross Atkinson. Bryan was the pilot on part of President Franklin Roosevelt's historic flight to Casablanca in Africa to meet with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in January of 1943, the first airplane flight of an American president while in office. The watch was priced to consumers at $67.50 in 1940, Hamilton's most expensive gold -filled model at the time. This example is in very good condition showing only light brassing to the highpoints of the lugs and bezel. Caseback is very good, with a monogram and two small areas of brassing. The case measures 40mm long by 24mm wide. Dial has been restored to its correct original appearance with a gloss black finish and solid 18K gold applied numerals. Has new glass crystal. The watch is powered by its correct 19 jewel Hamilton grade 982 movement.
(SOLD)
